How to choose a school backpack that isn't too heavy

If you want to choose a backpack for school, as a child, To avoid overburdening the student, you shouldn't chase brands and trends. Trust your common sense and make your choice based on these criteria:

• Weight: Choose a backpack that is as light as possible. A rule of thumb is that, once filled, the load should not exceed approximately 10% of the child's body weight; some guidelines go as high as 10–15% for older children, but less is more.
• Empty weight: It shouldn't weigh more than one kilogram. Otherwise, the child will struggle to carry it with all the books and pencil case.
• Shoulder straps: wide, padded and adjustable, possibly in the shape of a S, to better distribute the weight.
• Back: padded and shaped, but without making the backpack heavy.
• Chest belt: very useful for keeping the shoulder straps in the correct position, especially when moving.
• Dimensions: The backpack should not be wider than the child or reach far below the waist. It should fit snugly against the back without protruding excessively.
• Model: Opt for lightweight synthetic materials, such as nylon, avoiding rigid structures that are heavy and unnecessary.
• Content distribution: books and heavier objects near the back, the light ones towards the outside.
• Adjustment: The shoulder straps should be adjusted so that the backpack sits high and close to the back, not dangling on the buttocks.
• Wheels: They may seem like a solution, but on stairs and sidewalks they are often uncomfortable and can be heavier to drag.

In any case, to reduce the load on the child's back , there are several alternatives to the traditional backpack .

• Trolley backpack: it's dragged instead of carried on your shoulders. This is especially useful if the route is mostly flat, but it can become uncomfortable on stairs, uneven sidewalks, or when you have to get on public transport.
• Shoulder bag: It is generally not the best solution for school books, because it concentrates the weight on one side only.
• Hard case or briefcase: It can organize the material well, but if carried by hand it can be uncomfortable when it is heavy.
• Backpack with books left at school: This is often the most effective solution. Reducing the amount the child has to carry is better than simply looking for a different container.
• Double set of books: one set at home and one at school, when the school allows it, can eliminate a good part of the daily burden.
• Digital material and tablets: It can help reduce physical weight significantly, but it depends on the school rules and the child's age.
• Separate school trolley/cart: especially useful if the child has to carry a lot of material, as long as the route allows it to be dragged comfortably.

Cover photo and internal photo taken from the website www.ilmondodiagata.it/

Read also:

• Backpacks that are too heavy damage students' backs.
• How to make a backpack with creative recycling
• How to Personalize Your School Backpack: 10 Ideas